Red Oak Recovery brings expert to train clinicians on PTSD after Hurricane Helene

In response to the mental health challenges arising from Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina, Red Oak Recovery has organized a two-day training event for local clinicians. This training, led by Dr. Jessica Hamblen, a professor at Dartmouth, will focus on effective treatment modalities for PTSD and other mental health issues stemming from natural disasters. Post-Hurricane Helene, local mental health practitioners have recognized the urgent need to address the psychological distress faced by the community, as nearly 20% of Americans experience severe PTSD from disasters throughout their lives. Clinicians have been actively engaged in providing free or sliding scale therapy sessions to help community members cope with the aftermath, including loss of life and property. Dr. Hamblen’s program has facilitated recovery for thousands of individuals affected by a wide range of traumatic events. In this collaborative effort, Red Oak Recovery aims to provide the necessary training and resources for mental health providers to better recognize and treat post-disaster trauma. The program emphasizes techniques like cognitive restructuring, which assists in managing negative emotions that can arise post-disaster. The focus of this initiative is to create a well-prepared network of clinicians equipped to support their community effectively. Clinicians from various organizations are expected to participate in this event, which will be held at Mountain Area Health Education Center. Registration is necessary for all attendees, highlighting the importance placed on professional development in trauma care post-natural disasters.